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Indian mom sparks debate after putting son on leash in New York’s Times Square: ‘We’re not ashamed’

Shubhangi Jagota defended her action, saying it was the most practical way to handle their son’s endless energy during the family’s New York City vacation.

Toddler explores Times Square, safely leashed to dad’s wrist

An Indian mother living in Canada is speaking out after a video of her child wearing a leash in New York City stirred up conversation online. Shubhangi Jagota, a mother of two, recently posted a short clip showing her three-and-a-half-year-old son happily darting around Times Square while safely attached to his father via a child leash.

Jagota defended her action, saying it was the most practical way to handle their son’s endless energy during the family’s NYC vacation. According to her, the leash gave her son the space to explore without the constant worry of him getting lost in the busy streets.

“He’s 3.5 and we’re not ashamed to say we put him on a leash,” she wrote. “In a city like New York, this was hands-down the best decision for our trip.”

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According to her, the leash made the trip more fun for her son, who imagined he was in charge. “He called himself the sheriff and us his captives. Honestly, everyone was winning,” she added.

To adjust to different environments, Jagota said they switched between a shorter leash in crowded areas and a longer one where it was safer to let him roam more freely. The approach, she noted, kept things enjoyable for her son while giving the parents some much-needed peace of mind.

Check out the video:

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A post shared by Shubhangi Jagota (@katchmyparty)

The video went viral and many netizens shared their opinions on it. An Instagram user wrote, “That actually helps a lot. Handling kids outside is not easy. No matter what other says but this is the wisest decision.”

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Another user supported this and commented, “We know our kids better than anyone else. And I for sure know my kid is naughty and always over excited! And I will do what I can, to keep him safe !! It’s absolutely NONE of anybody’s business!”

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A third individual added, “I used to judge before I was a parent but now I get it.”

A fourth person had a different opinion and wrote, “Yeah cause educating your kid to stay with you and hold your hand is overrated now and nobody wants to actually do it.”

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